As much of a thrill as it is for me to chat with women of great character and influence, my interview with author and TIME Magazine editor Kate Betts left me feeling both thrilled and inspired. As soon as she got on the phone with me, I knew that I was going to get more than an interview -- I was going to receive an education in style and leadership.
Dori Hartley: Presently, what takes up your time? What makes up your day?
Kate Betts: Right now I'm working on my second book (the first being Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama, The Power of Style, so I'm still speaking about that a lot. In fact, I was going to be speaking about it on the Today Show, but my appearance was cancelled because of the storm). Anyway, my new book is kind of a memoir, though I don't like the word, "memoir"; it's so heavy. I prefer to call it a journal, and it's about what it took to break into the fashion business in Paris during the late eighties and early nineties, which is when I lived there, for about five years.Thank you! It's very good Canada Goose Heli-Arctic Parka! It's a coming of age story; it's really about being an outsider in a business and a culture and becoming an insider.Cheap Mens Canada Goose Baffin Anorak Tan since 1983.
DH: What part of your life right now is the most rewarding?
KB: Being a mother, because I now have a much more flexible schedule than I've had in the past and I'm able to spend a lot more time with my kids. I'm able to mix that in with writing. It's nice to govern my own schedule, and the real reward is more time with my kids.
DH: We like to think of women who "do it all" as superwomen. You are one of these women. In fact, the Lifetime documentary, Putting Baby to Bed: Wife, Mother, and Editor in Chief, was a testimony to your ability to do just that -- and with much success at a very young age. What is it that we women need to do to achieve this kind of success in all aspects of our lives -- the home front, at the workplace?
KB: I think focus is really the biggest tool. I was very focused at a young age, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was very lucky to have great mentors who taught me a lot -- John Fairchild, Anna Wintour -- but I was also really focused, I worked hard. I think women are hard workers, I think it's in our nature. We know how to multitask and we know how to cut out time for certain jobs. I find that even though I had a very demanding job running a magazine [while] having my first child, I really had to focus on the time allotment that I was to assign tasks, events, children -- it's hard. You have to be incredibly focused on your schedule, on your time.
DH: Right, so organization skills, time management... this is the key?
KB: Time management is key. Being able to carve out three hours, 15 minutes... dinnertime with your kids, or knowing that you're going to be out every night of the week [so you] set aside the weekend for your kids. It's not just for your kids, it's for you too. Successful women know this.
DH: Tell me, what does it take in this day and age to make for a great female leader?
KB: Focus, empathy and vision. I was talking in the last conference in Austin about how one of the mistakes that taught me the most was that you really have to stick to your own vision. As a reporter at heart, I was in the habit of listening to people and their opinions and ideas, but you have to have your own vision and you have to stick to it. I think sticking to your own vision and idea, whatever it may be, whatever creative field -- it's really hard to do, but it's really important for success.
DH: In your expert opinion, what do clothes say about the female worker? Why does style matter?
KB: Style is an expression of who we are. It's how we represent ourselves, because historically, we've been led to believe it's frivolous and that paying attention to our style negates our substance and intellectual capacity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Style and substance are one in the same. If you look at European women and men, they use style as part of their self-expression, as part of who they are. They don't disregard it, and they actually think if you disregard your style you are at a disadvantage. Americans, on the other hand, have this idea that paying too much attention to how you look is frivolous. I think that's a disadvantage, especially for women in the workplace. I think that if you have a uniform, something that really empowers you, makes you feel confident, it's such a plus. And if you dress inappropriately or if there's an aspect of your appearance that you don't feel so good about, it becomes a distraction.
DH: That's sort of like a personal Feng Shui.
KB: (laughs) Yes. That's it.
DH: Who do you feel is a great leader among women,All Kinds of Garmin Cycling Jerseys. right now, today?
KB: That's a good question. We are all looking at Hillary Clinton and how she is leading and expressing herself in leadership. And also how hard she's working and how incredibly confident she is. To me, she's a great example of somebody's who's a great leader.
DH: I agree.
DH: As a fashion person, you know a statement when you see one, literally.Cheap Canada Goose Womens Snow Mantra Parka are offered with 30% off and free shipping Women assert themselves by wearing clothes that suggest confidence, sex appeal, intelligence... and some of these gorgeous styles cost a fortune. As we all know, not everyone is made of money these days. How does the average women approach the idea of looking great and making a statement, while on a budget?
KB: First, I'd like to say that there are so many great styles available now at great prices. Everyday it seems we hear about a new collaboration between a high-end designer and an accessibly price point. Kohl's just launched a collection with Narciso Rodriguez. H&M is launching a Martin Margiela collaboration. You have designer style at every price point now. Style really isn't about price. It's how you put it together and how you wear it. I think if you stay basic and classic, you can't go wrong.... [a] great classic jacket or a great pair of pants... are available at any price point. You can wear statement jewelry, necklaces, bangles...A new Canada Goose Solaris Parka creates a clean read by getting a discreetly cinched stomach or thinner furrows solely. add a scarf, wear great shoes. You don't have to invest in a whole new wardrobe every season anymore.
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